1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1977 Fiat 126
To start off, 1977 Fiat 126 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 532 kg more than 1977 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1977 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 100 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 1850 mm |
